2010 Kawasaki Z1000 ABS
We take a sneak peakKawasaki is well and truly muscling its way back onto the sporting nakedbike arena, coming off the long run with its extensively updated ABS-equipped Z1000.
The new bike, set to go on sale in the first quarter of 2010, has jumped in capacity from 953 to 1043cc in one fell swoop, with the same bore size as the current model but a 5.1mm bigger stroke - courtesy of a lower mounted crankshaft.
That alone has been enough to lift torque from 99 to 110Nm, with Kawasaki not disclosing a power figure. The compression ratio is also higher, and the EFI features a bank of downdraft 38m throttle bodies and longer funnels "to offer the best power characteristics for a super naked model".
A secondary balancer driven off the crankshaft takes care of excess vibration, with Kawasaki spruiking the bike's noticeable power hit from about 7000rpm. Maximum torque is at 7800rpm.
The Z1000 also has a four-into-two exhaust, new ducts above the shrouds to feed the airbox (which should make for more aural pleasure), a new aluminium frame with four (instead of three) engine mounts, new damping settings on the 41mm fully adjustable forks, and the shock and linkage are now located above the swingarm, far enough away from the exhaust so that the rear suspension operation is not compromised by excessive heat.
Ergonomically, the handlebars are now wider, higher and mounted slightly more forward, and the all-digital instrument panel is adjustable. An LED taillight completes the sharp look, and colours are pearl stardust white/candy burnt orange or metallic spark black/atomic silver.
Kawasaki hasn't tampered with the geometry too much in the new model, with trail increased by 1mm and a 5mm smaller wheelbase. The seat height is also 5mm lower, and fuel capacity has dropped appreciably to 15lt, down from 18.5.
New five-spoke cast aluminium wheel should make for a lower unsprung weight and easier changes of direction - but without compromising stability.
Kerb mass is 221kg, which is in the same league as the Honda CB1000R.
No price as yet on the new Z1000, with the current model still on sale for $15,999.
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